SUNDAY. 10.8.03

MONDAY. 11.8.03

Pete Jordan has confirmed the presence of an eclipse male Garganey a new species for Wall Farm being the 139th species since the hide was opened at the end of 1997. At least 2 Green
Sandpipers also present today.

All for now Martin

TUESDAY. 12.8.03

WEDNESDAY. 13.8.03

THURSDAY. 14.8.03

FRIDAY. 15.8.03

SATURDAY. 16.8.03

What a great days birdwatching. Early morning was very quiet but a large 70+ flock of Mallard shot of on my arrival at the hide. Left on the pools, two or three Teal hanging around and small flocks of Lapwing dropping into the back pool to wash and preen. I love the way they wheel and dive in the last stages of landing.

A buzzard floated over and took refuge from the sun in the centre of the tree opposite the hide and small flocks of Swallows drifted down to hunt and drink over the wetland.

Plenty of Stock Doves taking water during the morning and a groups of Linnets 20+ drifted from time to time up onto the overhead wires where they were joined by a Yellow Wagtail. The Linnets are feeding on the weeds that have sprung up on the pools that have dried out.

A Kingfisher dashed passed, hovered over the pool almost in front of the hide and then plonked istself down on tip of a Reedmace at the back of the pool where it sat for several minutes surveying the shallows below.

A large fish snatched at a wandering Dragonfly that got too close to the pool surface. I guess a Pike judging by the huge splash!

There are 4 Moorhen chicks out feeding around the wetland and the usual persistant chirping of male Reed Bunting around the site.

Later in the aternoon things began to hot up. Tony Seagrave had excellent views of another new species for the Wall, A Temminck Stint and while we waited for it to re-appear from the back pool, a Little Egret flew into the wetland from the north west. A Peregrine hit an unsuspecting Stock Dove showering feathers down to the ground but some how escaped, wondered if this was a young bird but looked more like an adult male.

Several Snipe sneaked out into the open to feed alongside two Greenshank and female Shoveler that just seemed to be there where it wasn't before. The sort of thing Wall Farm bird watchers are used to.

On return to the car the Flycatchers were still around and the Little owl was still sat out the fence post. No Tawny roosting in the Chestnut this evening!

Also Seen: Goldfinch, Long Tailed Tit, Kestrel, Jay 2, Willowchiff feeding fledges young, Sedge Warbler.